Showing posts with label philippine scams. Show all posts
Showing posts with label philippine scams. Show all posts
Thursday, February 10, 2011
Philippine Scammers Target Online Dating Members with Romance Scams

  • 2/10/2011
  • 1
Criminals Seeking Victims on Internet Dating Sites










These days it seems that everyone is online dating or using a social networking site. Sites like Match.com and Facebook have millions of members worldwide, and there are countless others. More people are connecting online, and finding relationships and romance on the internet than ever before. There are more than just honest people among the users, however. Each year the FBI receives more complaints about online dating scams, and 2010 was no exception. According to three FBI field offices contacted for this article, scams from online dating and social networking sites are booming. Philippines private detectives familiar with the cases estimate the scams are growing at a rate of 20 percent per year. Site members are advised to proceed with caution.

The economy in the Philippines continues to struggle, and the country remains a nation with high levels of corruption, and limit opportunity. Law enforcement agencies in the Philippines such as the NBI (National Bureau of Investigation), PNP (Philippines National Police) and other agencies stress they are already overwhelmed with criminal cases and investigations. Agents must prioritize their cases, and unfortunately, romance scams and online dating fraud usually fall close to last on the list. Making matters more complicated, it can be difficult and costly for a foreigner to file a criminal case in the Philippines. Because online dating site and other accounts are often opened using a false name, and money transfers can be picked up with a fake ID or by a criminal accomplice, such cases can be difficult to prosecute.

Many US, Canadian, UK and Australian victims ask why more can't be done to prevent these types of romance scams, marriage fraud, and other online dating scams. A lack of law and order is understandable in the Philippines, but many citizens in the developed world demand something to be done. Agents at a Florida FBI field office say it can be frustrating to hear of the damage done in these cases, and it's not easy to explain to victims that not much can be done. Prosecuting criminals across country borders is a difficult process, no matter what the crime. Scams and fraud via the internet are especially challenging, since in most cases, the identity and/or location of the criminal may be unknown. Philippines private investigators say never to send money to anyone who is not known personally, and be skeptical of anyone you have met via the internet. Never reveal your personal data, such as date of birth, credit card information, address, and other senstitive data to an individual over the internet.

Because prosecuting these criminals is such a difficult and time consuming process, law enforcement and private investigators agree, the safest bet is prevention. Be skeptical. Be aware of the high risk for dating scams and other fraud in the Philippines. Know that no internet dating or social networking website is immune from fraud and scams. There is simply no effective way to screen the millions of members, so there are criminals among the users. If you feel you have potential for a real relationship, get a Philippines background check with a professional and reputable investigation firm such as Philippine PI™. Experts warn the risk is too high to ignore, and extra caution is advised.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway

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Friday, February 4, 2011
Philippine Investigator Scams on the Rise, Caution Advised

  • 2/04/2011
  • 1
More Complaints Filed on Philippines Investigators










Officials at the U.S., Canadian and Australian Embassies in Manila report a significant rise in the number of complaints involving websites or persons claiming to be private investigators in the Philippines. The problem is not new, but contacts at the Embassies say that complaints are up more than double the levels reported in 2009, which is an alarming rate. Individuals and companies are hiring private investigators in the Philippines for help, and all too often say experts, they are fastly becoming a victim of fraud, scam or theft. In some cases consumers report that the investigators attempt to do the work, but simply aren't qualified. The fact that many people are seeking an investigator to avoid being a victim of a scam in the first place, is a frustrating situation, and law enforcement has been slow to act. Caution is advised.

The Philippines is a nation rife with fraud, online dating scams, romance scams, marriage and internet fraud. Corruption and exportation of brides in the Philippines are entrenched in the nation's history and culture. Many Western men seek to find a bride here, and many companies seek to invest in the country via Manila. However, there is significant risk for investors, businesses and individuals. As a result, the services of a professional private investigator are often essential. Background checks, due diligence, private investigations and surveillance is in demand in the Philippines. The problem is finding someone competent.

Because of the lack of law and order, and the high demand for investigators, many criminals and amateurs are now posing as professional Philippines private investigators, offering their services on online message boards and creating professional looking websites. The truth is, less than 5% have professional training in a law enforcement academy, or military program. Most do not have a college education. Most lack the necessary and expensive equipment to investigate properly. And many of those claiming to be investigators are just plain fraudsters.

Experts offer the following guidelines:

1) Beware of an investigator who prefers bank transfers, Western Union or PayPal. Once the payment is sent, there is no way to get the money back. A real company accepts payments directly via its secure website using your credit card. If something goes wrong, at least you can call your credit card company and report the fraud, and possibly issue a chargeback.

2) Go with a company that is based in the U.K., U.S., Canada or Australia. The reason is that these highly developed countries have strict laws and accountability for business, and you can expect a higher standard and higher quality service. Companies based in the Philippines are 10 times more likely to deliver substandard service and unprofessional results.

3) Check to see if the company's website is verified by McAfee, the Better Business Bureau, and Truste. An individual or local Filipino won't pass the strict qualification standards set by these organizations. Also, you can check the BBB to see if the company has any history of complaints. (Click on the BBB logo on the Philippine PI™ website, for example, and you can see the firm has had zero complaints in the past 4 years.)

4) Understand that professional investigation services for background checks, due diligence, surveillance and investigations can be expensive. Expect to pay more for a quality service. Choosing by price alone is a bad idea.

5) Ask the investigator to tell you specifically where he or his field investigators received their training. If the investigators have no training in the Philippine Army, National Bureau of Investigation or Philippine National Police, the FBI, U.S. Military, or similar, it would be best to keep shopping.

William Carter at U.S. based Philippine PI™ agrees. Consumers should be very selective when shopping for a private investigator in the Philippines. "We see a lot of cases where a client chooses an investigator based on price, and we later see the client come back explaining that he or she was scammed, had their money stolen, or the investigator didn't do a professional job. Professional and reputable services cost more." Embassy officials agree, and some Embassy websites even have warnings about such scams.

Choosing an unskilled investigator can have disastrous results. In many such cases, the work is not confidential or discreet, leading to major complications for clients. As always, go with a professional, and get the job done right the first time.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2011 A. Hathaway
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Monday, May 31, 2010
Philippines Background Checks Advised, Romance and Dating Scams Rising

Philippines Investigators Report Increase in Scams






Philippine romance scams and relationship fraud is big business, and the recession hasn't had any impact on this industry. Private detectives and individual consumers report a sharp rise in scam and fraud in the Philippines compared to 2009, and this increase doesn't include the demand for other types of cases, including infidelity and pre-marital cases. Private investigators in the Philippines are in demand, because the risk for relationship fraud and infidelity is at high levels. The Philippines, apparently, has a long way to go in addressing the problem of internet related crime and scams, of which most are initiated via the Internet. Philippines private investigators are working overtime.

Most people in the Philippines are honest and decent people, but few argue the nation has its problems with exportation of women, internet scams and fraud, infidelity, and online dating scams. Many women search for a foreigner, or anyone who can send them money or take them out of the Philippines. In many cases, the husband or boyfriend of the Filipina is aware of the scam, and may even control the criminal operation. The scammer uses the emotions of the victim to accomplish the goal, which usually comes in the form of dollars or euros. Investigators and match-making websites agree, a Philippine background check is a wise choice and smart insurance policy. Many women may even marry or have serious relationships with a foreigner while they are married in the Philippines, to increase their family's income.

Investigators stress that fraud and scams reach all levels of Philippine society, including business scams and corporate fraud, and all kinds of advance fee fraud. But, internet dating scams appears to be the highest risk this year, with the majority of case loads by private investigators in Manila reporting infidelity or dating scams. Philippine PI™ maintains the largest team of professional investigators in the Philippines and is known for its quality service and reporting. The firm reported a "significant increase" in romance scams from 2009, and offers good advice on its website for selecting a Philippines private detective.

When involved in a relationship with a Filipina, investigators offer the following warning signs which normally indicate additional caution is advised, and a Philippines private investigator may be required. Be skeptical of overnight claims of love, emergencies or sudden illness, requests for financial assistance, model type photographs, problems with visa or passport, times or days when the subject is out of contact, etc. Be skeptical and realistic.

The Philippines is a great country with many potential rewards, great beaches and beautiful women. The risk here for fraud and scams is real, so be informed and proceed with caution.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2010 A. Hathaway
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Wednesday, January 21, 2009
Philippines Private Investigators

Sifting through the Investigators

The Philippines has seen a strong demand for background checks, surveillance and investigation. With more and more people dating online worldwide, and the high percentage of Filipinas looking to meet someone foreign, the demand is expected to continue rising. In addition to personal cases, business activity and foreign investment in the Philippines is rising as the country continues to develop and gain access to global and capital markets.














The Good, the Bad and the Ugly
The question for many companies and individuals with relations and or investment in the Philippines is, how can I select a prudent and professional private investigator? How can I determine who is the real investigation company, and who is the local with limited or even no professional experience?

To answer that question, we have reprinted the below information with permission from Philippine PI™, one of the most reputable Philippines Private Investigators operating in the Philippines. The Company's advisory is excellent advice for those considering a private investigation anywhere in the Philippines.

Investigator Advisory for the Philippines
Widespread fraud and corruption reaches all levels of Philippine society, including private investigators. There are many cases where clients seek investigation services or consultation from a so-called "professional" or "private investigator" in the Philippines, only to be scammed by the investigator. It is not uncommon for the local or amateur investigator to take the client's money, and in return provide unacceptable service, or even no service at all. With the high level of unemployment and poverty in the Philippines, many locals have tried to take advantage of foreigners seeking investigation services. Other locals sincerely attempt to do the investigative work, but simply are not qualified or properly trained to conduct the case.

What you should know:

1. If it's too cheap, it's probably too good to be true.If an investigator claims to offer a remarkable service, at a very low price, it's safe to assume you will get what you pay for. Real, professional and private investigation can be expensive.

2. Buyer beware of investigators that only accept Western Union.A reputable company or private investigator should have a website where the investigator accepts various forms of payment, including a secure site where you can pay by credit card.

3. Stear clear of investigators with no references.Prior to paying for an investigator, search the internet for references of the investigator or company. Chances are you can learn what others are saying about the company. If you can't find enough information on the internet, you might ask the investigator or company for a reference.

4. Be weary of any investigator who doesn't speak English.English is commonly spoken by the educated population in the Philippines. It is also necessary to conduct a proper investigation in the Philippines, since most people speak English in addition to their native language. An investigator who doesn't speak English fluently is unqualified.

5. Choose an investigator who is available to discuss your case over the phone.It can be hard to tell who you're dealing with over the internet, so check to see if your investigator is available over the phone. Often a brief phone conversation will allow you to ask important questions and determine if the investigator is right for you. It will also quickly show you what kind of service you can expect, since good customer service means being available for a phone call.

6. Avoid websites that look unprofessional.If the investigation company's website looks unprofessional, chances are, the services are also unprofessional. Insufficient budgets and training for development of the business, which can be detected when viewing the website, will likely be reflected in other areas as well, such as reports, surveillance equipment, vehicles, etc. Expect to pay more for quality service.

7. Look for privacy seals and secure websites.Since private investigation can involve sensitive information and details of a very private nature, look for an investigator with a website that displays privacy seals such as Truste. In additon, to be sure your information is safeguarded with adequate technology, check for additional seals such as McAfee security seals which ensure the website and your data is safe and secure.

8. Expect to pay a fair price.Professional private investigation can be expensive. Rather than trying to save a few dollars by choosing an unknown or unqualified firm, try to work with a reputable company about the best option for you, and if an investigation will likely provide you with the evidence you need. Too often choosing a cheap investigator means money down the drain, so choose carefully.

9. Ask if surveillance photos have time-date stamps.Surveillance photographs during any professional investigation should have time-date stamps on them. This is industry standard and this type of photographic evidence should be included in daily reports to clients. If for any reason the investigator does not offer this service, you know this is not a professional, but rather a local or amateur lacking the proper experience and equipment.

10. Choose a U.S., Canada or European managed company.Due to the high level of fraud and corruption throughout Philippine society, try to find and use an investigation company that is managed or owned by a U.S., Canadian or European company. This will ensure the company is managed according to stricter standards, and is held accountable for safer business practices and ethics of the United States, Canada or Western Europe.

11. Never use a "company" with no business address or phone number.Perhaps the easiest way to distinguish the real investigation firm from the local individual or shady operation is to check their contact us page. A real investigation company has a secure contact us page on their website, with a business address. In addition, a legitimate investigator will be happy to provide clients with a business telephone number where he or she can be reached. If any given investigator refuses to provide this information, it would be very wise to look elsewhere.

12. Buyer beware of any investigators who only accept PayPal.While PayPal is a legitimate and secure payment option, a red flag should be raised if this is the only way to pay your investigator via a credit card. A professional investigation firm should offer various forms of payment options, from wire transfer, PayPal, to submitting your credit or debit card data directly via their secure website. A website that only offers PayPal for credit card payments is almost always a clear indication that you are dealing with an individual and not a real company.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Online Dating Scams & Background Checks

Internet Dating Investigations on the Rise












The rise in online dating worldwide has changed the way men and women meet around the globe. As more and more people become accustomed to doing business on the Internet, so too are more and more people finding romance over the Internet. New match making sites appear in the search results each week, and from the U.S. to China to Argentina, consumers are finding love online. With this new playing field, however, come sizeable risks.

Honest people seeking new relationships aren't the only ones taking advantage of the new services. Criminals are also finding their way onto the match making websites, including major sites such as Match.com and eHarmony. No matter what a site may claim, no dating website is immune from fraud and scams. In fact, international scam cases have risen along with the rise in dating websites. And with the rise in scams and fraud, the demand for professional background checks has never been greater.

Beware of any individual overseas proclaiming his or her love prematurely. Be skeptical of any sudden emergencies that require financial assistance. If there have been no requests for money, and everything seems to be legit, consider a background check as an insurance policy. Many victims end up losing money and learning the hard way. A background check early along in the relationship can save you time and money, and also prevent you from potential heartache and emotional distress.

Several services are now available that offer international background checks and surveillance. Probably the most respected in the business is Wymoo International, which also runs a separate division for Philippines detectives, known as Philippine PI. Whichever firm you decide to use, consider the service an insurance policy, and when it comes to fraud and scams, it's better to know sooner rather than later. These types of services are usually strictly confidential, so the subject will never know, and you can sleep easy!

Happy hunting,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2008 A. Hathaway
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Saturday, January 26, 2008
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  • 1/26/2008
  • 1
Avoiding the scams and knowing who to call.

Whatever it is that draws Western men to the Filipina is up for debate. Most likely, it is the sheer vast number of Philippine women seeking something different, an increase in their standard of living and an escape from the widespread corruption and poverty of the Philippines. Finding the right Filipina is no easy task, however, as the number of scams is higher than ever.

Opportunity Knocks

Distinguishing between the wholesome girl next door, and the scammer is getting tougher all the time. Good Philippine women are definitely out there. The country has no shortage of beautiful women seeking an honest relationship. On the other hand, there is no shortage of gold diggers either, not professional scammers but interested in pure financial gain at any cost. Love and physical attraction simply doesn't matter for these girls. Many girls with their profiles on Internet match making sites are seeking immigration to the U.S., Europe or Canada, and as long as the man has money, the Filipina will likely put out the For Sale sign.

Avoiding the Pitfalls

Sudden or frequent Filipina emergencies, followed by financial requests should be verified. Early in the relationship, if your partner in the Philippines makes requests for financial support, it would be wise to move on to the next potential partner. Fraud and relationship scams run rampant here, and what may start out as help with the bills, may be followed by a long list of bills and emergencies. In short, a scammer or gold digger can slowly create a financial and emotional nightmare.

Verifying her Story

If you've found someone in the Philippines and all looks good, it pays to get a background check. Many men find beautiful and decent brides from the Philippines, but finding the perfect Filipina is never easy. Taking the relationship to the next level has the potential to be costly. It's a prudent decision to be skeptical in a Philippine relationship. We recommend getting a professional and confidential Philippine background check, and for situations that require knowing exactly what the Filipina is doing, and with whom, we recommend Philippine surveillance.

The Investigators

Investigators in the Philippines, unfortunately, can be fraudulent themselves. We recommend choosing a U.S. owned and operated firm, such as Philippine PI or Wymoo International due to the difference in management styles, level of customer service, and reputable investigative techniques. Furthermore, if you have any problems in your investigation, you have the piece of mind that you're dealing with a U.S. firm rather than an individual.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2006-2009 A. Hathaway
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Wednesday, October 10, 2007
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A Guide to Investigations and Surveillance

The number of Philippine women involved with European, American, Canadian and Australian men is difficult to estimate. Of course, these aren't the only countries where the Filipinas are escaping to. Filipinas are, in fact, leaving the Philippines in masses. This phenomenon has been taking place for over 20 years or longer, but with the increasing global access to the Internet and the growth of dating websites, scams are on the rise.

Some of the better known sites include Filipinaheart.com and Cebuanas.com, but the list is extensive and new websites emerge each month. Some relationships begin in person, while a large majority are begun on the Internet. For those initiating on the Internet, the risk for relationship fraud and scam is at an all time high. Potential victims should be extremely wary of any Filipina asking for money early in the relationship. If there is a chance this woman could be the one, whether in the Philippines or beyond (Colombia, Russia, Ukraine, Brazil, etc), a background check can save a great deal of money and heartache. In short, due to the number of fraud and scam cases in international relationships, it is better to be safe than sorry. The alternative can be costly.

Our three favorite background check services are Owens OnLine, Wymoo International and Philippine PI. Owens OnLine offers a professional service at a reasonable price, although their services are more tailored to business clients. Wymoo International and Philippine PI are industry leaders for confidential investigations for individuals. Wymoo covers over 100 countries worldwide. For the Philippines, however, we recommend Philippine PI because of their local presence throughout the islands.

Depending on your need for information and the Company you choose, professional Philippine investigators cost between $350 and $600. Philippine surveillance may be more, depending on the number of hours worked. Surveillance service should provide detailed reports with photo or video evidence. The insurance and verification is an increasingly wise investment.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway

© 2005-2009 A. Hathaway, All Rights Reserved
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Friday, August 10, 2007
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Where to go when you need Answers

The Philippines has been, and continues to be, a major exporter of brides. What drives this exportation of women is not exactly known, but clearly the corruption, poverty and limited amount of opportunity in the Philippines is a factor. The supply and demand continue to be strong, with the women choosing men in Western Europe, the United States, Australia and Canada. With this international match making, has come some problems.

International marriages and relationships begun on the Internet have contributed to a sharp rise in fraud cases and relationship scams. In addition to the unknown factor of getting to know a Filipina on the Internet, the fact is that the Philippine culture is one where many things are for sale, including love. That is to say in a poor country like the Philippines, opportunity and money talks. The problem for the Western men in the United States, Canada and Western Europe is how to know if it's love or money talking. To be sure, in most cases, it pays to hire a PI.

Whether you're looking for a background check to confirm her story, or if you suspect infidelity and require surveillance for clear evidence, we recommend hiring a reputable background check firm like Wymoo International. Wymoo and its subsidiary, Philippine PI, have offices in Manila and Cebu with years of experience assisting clients in uncovering the truth. Depending on your specific needs, you might need surveillance on the subject or a comprehensive background check to verify claims of education, employment, marital status, address, etc.

Professional investigations and Philippines detectives can be somewhat costly. However, not knowing the truth about a relationship in the Philippines can be even more expensive. Find out the truth by contacting a professional. In the Philippines, a land of fraud and scams, one cannot afford to simply hope for the best.

Best of luck,

A. Hathaway
© 2005-2009 A. Hathaway, All Rights Reserved
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Monday, July 16, 2007
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How to not be a victim of Relationship Fraud

It's no secret that the Philippines produces a good number of foreign brides each year to Western men. Many women seek a better life from the poverty and widespread problems there, others are looking for something different, the money.

There are many successful marriages and lasting relationships that come from the exportation of Philippine brides. There are an equal number of women (and men) scamming Westerners out of the hard earned cash. The Internet has made meeting these women easy, and with beautiful brides awaiting, how does one know the relationship is real? Is she who she says she is?

Most relationships today begin on the Internet, or for a few, with a business trip or vacation to the Philippines. Developing a relationship on the Internet raises the risk level considerably. The best way to avoid fraud and scams (mainly advance fee fraud) is to visit the person and see who exactly you're dealing with. Spend some time in her country and get to know her on a real and personal level. With today's professional fraud groups, it can be difficult to know the difference between love and scam.

Avoid sending money and be skeptical of "emergencies". Get to know the person slowly via the Internet, and follow up with phone conversations if the relationship progresses. Be wary of requests for money. And don't be crazy. If you're thinking of marriage, invest in the effort to visit the Philippines before beginning any serious commitment. Lastly, if all looks good and you think you may have found the real thing, get the confidential background check by Wymoo International, and sleep well at night!

Be safe and happy hunting,

A. Hathaway

Copyright © 2005-2007 A. Hathaway
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